Yob kicks tiny dog to death

A savage yob kicked a small dog to death as her elderly owner watched helplessly.

The heartless attack took place in a residential Woodley street at 9.20pm on Monday.

Tizzy, a tan-coloured miniature Pinscher, fought bravely for survival after the violent kicking but sadly died at the vet where she was taken by a witness to the callous attack.

The 12-year-old pooch – who was 10in long and 10in tall – was targeted after its owner, a 72-year-old Woodley man, was walking along Colemansmoor Lane. The owner, who did not want to be named, stumbled into the path of a car parked in the road.

Two men got out and one of them, described as a black man in his 20s, swore at the man and kicked Tizzy into the air.

Woodley’s Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Jen Banfield – herself a dog-owner – said she was horrified by what happened.

“I think it is horrendous.

“If we can catch the people who did this we will throw the book at them. I am appalled. All the police officers in the area really feel for the man and are desperate to catch the people who did this.

“What we need is for members of the public to be on the look-out for the car and who did this.”

PC Chris Pinder, of Reading Police, said: “This has obviously been very distressing for the victim.

“The vehicle these two men were in is described as a small vehicle, dark in colour.

“The RSPCA were informed and have been assisting us with the investigation.”

RSPCA spokeswoman Jo Barr said: “A crime like this beggars believe. We need to catch the people involved.

“This is a horrible and cowardly way to treat an animal.”

PC Banfield has asked people to call Woodley police on (0118) 969 1637 in the first instance.

But if people want to report information anonymously they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.